These images were taken in Alabaster, AL in 2010 after the area received 6 to 8 inches of rain in less than 48 hours.

National Weather Service offices throughout the United States are conducting a Flood Safety Awareness Week from March 12th through 16th, 2012. Flooding is the Number 2 weather killer in the United States, ahead of tornadoes and severe weather, and is the costliest weather-related disaster we face. While much of the focus remains on thunderstorms and tornadoes, flooding can often be an underrated killer.

A variety of flooding and related phenoma place Central Alabama at risk throughout the year. Flooding can result from a number of weather systems including slow-moving or stationary frontal systems, inland moving tropical cyclones and intense summertime thunderstorms. These systems can produce flash flooding in low lying flood prone areas and along small creeks and streams, as well as river flooding along mainstreams.

Flood Safety Awareness Week is intended to highlight some of the many ways floods can occur, the hazards associated with floods, and what you can do to save life and property.

Each day during Flood Safety Awareness Week will be devoted to a different topic:

Flood Awareness Week Schedule

Monday

AHPS (Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service)We'll discuss a section of our web page devoted to providing enhanced and more detailed information to help you make decisions when flood threats arise. (Check out the Central Alabama AHPS page here.)

Tuesday

Turn Around, Don't Drown!We'll provide information about a National Weather Service Campaign intended to warn people of the hazards of walking or driving a vehicle through flood waters.

Wednesday

Flooding and Related Phenomena:Although the high winds associated with landfalling tropical cyclones often receive the most attention, inland flooding can be and often is the most deadly hazard from these weather systems. Hurricane Ivan in September 2004 and Tropical Storm Alberto in 1994 are examples of what can happen when heavy rainfall from tropical systems occur in inland areas.

Thursday

Determining Flood Risk/Flood InsuranceYour homeowners insurance doesn't cover flood damage! We'll explain the National Flood Insurance Program, and help you find out if you might be threatened.

Friday

Flood SafetyNational Weather Service storm data show that on average floods kill more people every year than lightning, tornadoes and hurricanes. Flash flooding can occur within minutes or a couple of hours of heavy rainfall, sweeping away automobiles and turning small creeks and ditches into raging torrents. River flooding may take days to develop, but can also be a killer and flood entire towns. We'll cover ways to ensure your survival during flooding.